Country Artists Who’ve Died in 2016

2016 has already been a difficult one for music, and it's not over yet. This year we've said a tearful goodbye to several country singers, songwriters and musicians.

Country music took an early hit with the loss of influential country musician Red Simpson, and it didn't get any easier when Backroad Anthem's Craig Strickland went missing. The talented frontman went missing during a duck hunt in late December and it wasn't until Jan. 4 that his body was found. It was a tragic loss.

Both Joey Feek and Merle Haggard passed away in 2016, shaking the foundation of the genre. The Hag passed away on April 6, 2016, which was also his 79th birthday. He and Feek both leave behind a catalog of iconic songs and a lasting impression on the world.

Country music also lost several more iconic artists, as well as a number of well-respected players, in 2016. Remember the importance these talented individuals had on the music as you scan the Country Artists We’ve Lost in 2016 gallery above.